LE23 Tempranillo Shiraz

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April’s LE23 Feature Wine

TEMPRANILLO SHIRAZ – WITH GRAPE SKINS
Tempranillo and Shiraz are exceptional blending partners creating a poignant blend abound with rich fruit and spice. Aromas of red berry, chocolate, and peppery spice set the tone for a palate packed with flavours of black cherry, raspberry, blueberry, and plum. Ripe tannin and rich spice lend to the lush mouthfeel, while layered notes of milk chocolate play off savoury elements of tobacco and licorice. A blockbuster example of how these two flavourful grapes amplify each other.

Alcohol: 14%

Riverland, Australia 
Australia has long been a powerhouse of Shiraz, but it’s only recently that Tempranillo plantings have surged in the country. In the Riverland, the warm Mediterranean climate and long sunny days bring out more of Tempranillo’s generous black fruit flavours and spice character. The Murray Darling River winds through the region providing relief from the hot South Australian sun, vital access to water for irrigation, and contributes to the region’s fertile soils.

 

Wine pairing recipe!  

Smoky Chorizo & Chicken Chili
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Also a great match for: smoked meat sandwiches, tourtière, carne asada fajitas.

LE23 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

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March’s LE23 Feature Wine

SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC
This White Bordeaux style wine is a classic French blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Citrus and grassy aromas lead to a gorgeous palate with refreshing grapefruit and lemon/lime flavours. Gooseberry, passionfruit, and green apple notes come through, hinting at honeysuckle and lemon peel. Serve lightly chilled to emphasize the vibrant acidity and prominent citrus flavours of this crisp dry white.

Alcohol: 13%

Provence, France 
Provence lies on the southeast tip of France and vineyards in this small coastal region are all within 60kms of the Mediterranean Sea. Summers are warm with abundant sunshine. Coastal breezes help moderate the temperature and the strong mistral wind keeps skies clear and grapes dry, protecting against disease. Soils vary across the region with white wine grapes generally planted in areas with rich limestone and shale deposits.

 

Wine pairing recipe!  

Shrimp Curry
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Also a great match for: sushi, asparagus risotto, crab cakes

LE23 Nebbiolo

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February’s LE23 Feature Wine

Nebbiolo 
The regal Italian red you know and love with a bit of laid-back California charm. Nebbiolo maintains its strong tannin on North American soil but reins in some boldness, showing more voluptuous fruit and floral undertones. Aromas hint at rose and violet with notes of earth and spice. Cherry and raspberry flavours are forefront, while licorice, plum and chalky earth notes add depth. A gratifying wine with strong structure and balance thanks to Nebbiolo’s characteristic high tannin and acidity.

Alcohol: 14%

Lodi, California
Nebbiolo does well in Lodi, situated in the middle of California’s Central Valley. The Mediterranean climate is tempered in part by cool breezes blowing inland from the San Francisco Bay area, which promotes the grape’s natural acidity. Two mountain-fed rivers run through the region bringing rich granite-based minerals to the soil, lending complex flavours. These mineral rich sandy soils in conjunction with the dry growing season encourage more concentrated flavours.

 

Wine pairing recipe!  

Prosciutto & Olive Pizza
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Also a great match for: braised short ribs, caponata, spiced lamb tagine, white truffle fettucine

LE23 Winemakers Blend

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January’s LE23 Feature Wine

Winemaker’s Blend
The varietals in our Winemaker’s Blend play off each other to create a crisp off-dry wine with a tapestry of vibrant fruit flavours. Pinot Grigio leads with lush peach and apple flavours. Riesling adds aromatics, a shot of sweetness, and amplifies fresh acidity. Vermentino plays up the citrus character, while Verduzzo brings tropical notes to the background. A touch of Trebbiano rounds out the orchard fruit flavours and adds a fresh mineral accent.

Alcohol: 12%

Italy
This cunning blend pulls choice varietals from the four corners of Italy, showcasing the best the country has to offer: Sicily in the southwest, where climate and geography make near perfect growing conditions; Tuscany on the northwest coast, one of the world’s most famous wine regions; Veneto on the northeast coast where hot summers are tempered by the Adriatic Sea, and finally Puglia on the southeast coast, where the surrounding seas provide balance to the dry heat helping grow mature and fruity grapes.

 

Wine pairing recipe!  

Pancetta Egg Pasta
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Also a great match for: rich & creamy mac n cheese, maple glazed ham, spiced nuts

New Year’s Eve Sparkler Cocktail

 


New Year’s Eve is perhaps the most iconic of drinking holidays. New Year’s Eve brings a particular level of class and sophistication to drinking. This is, of course, largely to do with the signature drink of the holiday: Champagne.

Not everyone has an appreciation for the bubbly French wines, though. Others prefer to toast the end of the year in style with brightly colored bubbly drinks. The New Year’s Sparkler is such a drink; it’s a breeze to make and can be adjusted to individual tastes.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 ounce berry-flavored vodka
  • 1 1/2 ounces pomegranate or cranberry juice
  • 3 1/2 ounces Champagne, chilled, to top
  • Garnish: skewered raspberries

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the vodka and pomegranate or cranberry juice to a chilled Champagne flute.

Top with the Champagne.

Garnish with raspberries on a long skewer.

Yields: 1 serving


Original article by: Liquor.com
From: liquor.com/recipes/new-years-sparkler

LE22 Viognier Roussanne Marsanne

VIOGNIER, ROUSSANNE & MARSANNE are the only three white wine grapes permitted to be grown in Northern Rhône. 

Tantalizing peach, apricot, and Meyer lemon flavours, just hinting at honeysuckle and brioche. This textured wine leans to the fuller side but stays smooth and fresh with elegant balance. 

MEDIUM-FULL BODY & DRY | 13%

 

Wine Pairing Recipe!

Easy yet elegant, these savoury pastries are perfect for the fruity palate and balanced acidity of the LE22 Viognier Roussane Marsanne. 
(view/download pdf)

LE22 Aglianico Barbera

Aglianico (‘ali-yawn-nico’), considered one of Italy’s 3 greatest wine grapes, partners with popular Barbera to create a balanced blend with big personality. You’ll savour every sip of this big Italian red. 

A balanced blend with big personality. Dominant flavours of black cherry, pepper spice, blackberry and plum are enhanced with licorice, dried herbs, and a light mineral note. This is a wine to sit back with, sip and savour. 

FULL BODY & DRY | 14% 

 

Food Pairing Recipe!

Even with a few clever shortcuts, lasagna is a labour of love – but so worth the effort. So, take your time, pour a glass of wine and enjoy the process as you make this beloved dish to share with family and friends. 
(view/download pdf)

 

LE22 Pinot Grigio Gewürztraminer

THIS UNIQUE DUO is a New World take on the historic Gewürz-Pinot Gris field blends of Alsace, France. Distinctive & delicious Gewürztraminer brings a new dimension to perennial favourite Pinot Grigio. 

Juicy and refreshing with a kiss of sweetness and loads of character. Juicy peach and bright citrus, with underlying flavours of lychee, cantaloupe, and light notes of ginger spice and lemon zest. 

MEDIUM BODY & OFF-DRY | 12.5% 

 


Food Pairing Recipe!

Nutty, sweet and a little smoky, these skewers can be served as an appetizer or weeknight main course and are delicious with our juicy and citrusy LE22 Pinot Grigio Gewürztraminer. 
(view/download pdf)

 

 

LE22 Malbec Bonarda Syrah

This food-friendly blend of Argentina’s favourite red varietals has it all – red fruit, dark berry, spice, vanilla and chocolate. Mendoza’s altitude is key to these concentrated flavours and zesty acidity.
BONARDA is the 2nd most planted grape in Argentina. Its punchy fruit flavours and soft tannins make is a great blending partner.

FULL BODY & DRY | 14%
 

Food Pairing Recipe!

A beefy, garlicky burger accented with rosemary and a tangy yet creamy blue cheese sauce; this is a match made in backyard barbecue heaven. 
(view/download pdf)

 

LE22 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

This classic combination never disappoints. Cab Sauv and Merlot were made for each other and it shows in this silky, seamless blend. 
A classic combination. Black currant and dried herb aromas lead to a palate stacked with layers of deep cherry, black fruit, baking spice and mocha. A concentrated and seamless blend with silky tannin.

MEDIUM-FULL BODY & DRY | 13%

 

Wine pairing recipe!  

Up your appetizer game with this Perfect Party Pairing. The earthy, meaty flavours of these flavourful mushrooms are the ideal partner to our silky LE22 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend. 
(view/download pdf)